Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta firm admirer of 26-year-old Serie A star as Gunners pondering €55m January swoop: Reports

Arsenal are reportedly considering a move for Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic in the January transfer window. This is according to Football Transfers, who say that the Italian outfit wish to get the Serbia international off their wage bill, given he's the highest earner (via GOAL).

However, a transfer for the attacker will not be cheap, as it is reported that the Serie A giants are going to demand a whopping €55 million to let him go. Vlahovic has been in decent goalscoring form this season, having netted on 12 occasions in 23 appearances across competitions.

While the former Fiorentina man is a more traditional number nine, his numbers are being matched by Arsenal's Kai Havertz this campaign. The German has played 26 matches in all competitions for the north Londoners and has scored the same number of goals as Vlahovic.

Moreover, Gabriel Jesus has rediscovered his form in front of goal and has found the net six times in his last six appearances across competitions. Although the pair are not classical strikers, they are seemingly as effective as the Juventus man, which may have Mikel Arteta considering a move of such nature.

Either way, it won't be straightforward for Vlahovic either, given he has to compete with the likes of Havertz and Jesus for minutes in this position. He's now entered the final 18 months of his contract at Juventus, which may force the Italian side to sell the player.

Their negotiating power over the 24-year-old's transfer fee may reduce if they wait till the summer.

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Paul Merson highlights area that Arsenal need to improve after Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle United

Paul Merson

Arsenal were beaten 2-0 by Newcastle United in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final meeting at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday (January 7). The Gunners dominated possession (70%) and racked up 23 attempts, 16 more than what the Magpies managed.

Although Mikel Arteta's side were presented with a number of opportunities, they failed to convert. Gabriel Martinelli seemingly came the closest when his one-on-one effort hit the near post in the first half.

Claiming that the Gunners need to improve in the striker's position, Paul Merson wrote on X (formerly Twitter):

"Shocking result for Arsenal 23 shots at goal, no goal, got to get an out and out centre forward."

Kai Havertz started up top in this tie after missing a couple of matches due to illness. Up next for Arsenal is a third-round FA Cup match against Manchester United on Sunday (January 12).